I don't know what questions you should ask, but I can definitely think of discussion topics.
The real question is whether Harry Potter was a singular phenomenon or whether it was just the most current example of a recurring phenomenon.
I would definitely claim the latter. Science Fiction/Fantasy has found ways to attract large amounts of readers throughout its history. Only dealing with modern times (no need to discuss the Odyssey or the Iliad right now), the genre has historically found ways to attract new readers. In the 1950s (basically the inception of the genre), science fiction comic books were immensely popular. Also, the dime store novel was popular and science fiction novels were placed next to detective novels and both sold well.
As those began to fizzle, welcome J.R.R. Tolkien, often considered the Godfather of the fantasy genre (no matter how much I dislike his writing). Written SF/F started to falter at that point, but the silver screen and the small screen took off. Star Trek, Star Wars, BSG, Buck Rogers, V, and a whole lot more (heck, even Mazes and Monsters) were all popular and kept the genre going. Also, D&D was in its first hey-day and spawned a litany of RPGs. A new genre, the RPG fantasy novel began to hit the shelves and kept the genre moving.
Then, as all of that began to falter, in came Anne Rice. Horror fantasy is still fantasy and her novels became an overnight sensation. Also, a new form of science fiction had become popular. Michael Crichton (RIP) was selling like wildfire. And his "mainstream" science fiction brought a new wonder to a new generation. Then as Anne Rice lost her faithful and Crichton slowed down his writing speed, Harry Potter came onto the scene. And while J.K. Rowling had a good run, she wasn't alone and her success was not without help. During the Harry Potter phenomenon, a number of other contributing factors existed and still exist. Love him or hate him, Robert Jordan produced a run of novels with writing compared the Tolkien. Third edition D&D was a spectacular success, reviving the nearly dead RPG market. Dan Brown, following in the footsteps of Michael Crichton released his "mainstream" science fiction novels (most notably, Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code). Also, comic book movies (another form of the fantasy genre) became popular again.
Sure, Harry Potter is gone, but the genre is far from gone. Currently, fourth edition D&D is the best selling D&D/RPG ever. Comic books are selling better than they have in decades. Dan Brown will surely write more books. Also, keep in mind, that at no time did the genre ever entirely collapse. I have fantasy novels on my shelf that were written in just about every year from my birth (1977) to present. Heck, Xanth novels are still being produced, having reached something like 34 in the series. And, while he may be a modern dime store novel writer, one thing that can be said about Piers Anthony is that he is exceptionally good at managing to continually relate with the current generation. Xanth novels are very accessible to children.
I don't see an end with Harry Potter. I see the "next big thing" already peeking its head out any number of places. The re-emerging popularity of the Star Wars mythos (Clone Wars movie, Clone Wars TV series, Clone Wars mini episodes series, etc.) may drive the genre into the next decade. Dan Brown, despite his enmity from the Catholic church (or possibly because of it) may be what moves everything along. The spate of comic book movies (and increasing comic books sales that come with it) coming out in the next two years may be the future. Heck, Samuel L. Jackson alone may singlehandedly keep the science fiction/fantasy genre alive.
Don't get me wrong. Harry Potter was something special. But, it wasn't unique. The cycle continues and it will take a lot more than one retiring British school marm to end the genre.
-MS
